Each year on Halloween, I see less and less children out trick-or-treating. Even though the retailers do a good job of marketing the costumes and the candy, I think people are changing. Kids can get candy whenever they want now so there’s nothing so special about going door to door. Dressing up probably seems sort of lame to some kids these days. And heck, why go interact with your neighbours? I mean, we live in the age of text messages and internet chat, where we never have to see anyone face to face. Heck, I teach an online class and it just solidifies this idea! We had roughly 14 kids – total – and that’s a pretty small amount for a neighbourhood I know has way more than that. Maybe they’re all getting dropped off in the nice ‘hoods, where they think they’ll get better loot. All I know is, I fear that Elliot may never get to experience this tradition if it keeps on this way.
But here’s two little pumpkins just sittin’ by a tree, because they make me happy.
incognitusscriptor.com 
I didn’t even realize it was Halloween until I went home and had to turn my lights off to avoid kids. Bah Humbug
I find this to be true everywhere and it makes me sad. Do we blame the encroaching fear that stems from all the crimes against children? The fact that none of us know our neighbors anymore? Or the religious fundamentalists who have successfully demonized a harmless children’s activity? Maybe it’s all of the above. We had 40 kids this year and I blame the fact that so many people DON’T keep their lights on and pass out a little candy. Kids steer away from the darker streets and houses (as well they should) and gravitate toward the ones who make the effort to join in the fun. Regardless…we’re sticking with it.
So are we; even though this year was lame, I won’t stop decorating or lighting my jack-o-lantern.
THis was the first time in years that we actually participated with zing in the halloween holiday. We have moved to a neighborhood that is not new or ritzy upper class, but super nice with TONS of kids… major family friendly. We had so many children that we ran out of candy and started using the stuff that our kids actually got by going door to door. The people in our immediate vicinity take community spirit to heart and EVERYONE decorates for the holidays be it halloween or thanksgiving…. I have to post pictures… But I was glad that I didnt just give up on it… I think we will try again next year!